The Indian Premier League (IPL), launched in 2008, transformed Indian sports forever. And all its matches are available for betting 1x IPL betting as well.
More than just a cricket tournament, the IPL introduced a franchise-based model that has combined 5 elements:
- entertainment;
- celebrity ownership;
- television marketing;
- player auctions;
- and massive sponsorship deals.
Its success has demonstrated that sports in India could become commercially viable beyond traditional cricket formats. As a result, several other sports have adopted the IPL blueprint and launched professional leagues across the country. The IPL and many other amazing cricket competitions are available for betting at the 1x Bet website.
In 1st place, of the most successful examples is the Pro Kabaddi League, launched in 2014. Kabaddi had long been considered a rural sport with limited mainstream appeal. However, the league copied many IPL elements, with 4 of them being city-based franchises, player auctions, colourful branding, and prime-time broadcasting. The strategy worked remarkably well, with the league becoming India’s second-most watched sports competition after the IPL.
Football, badminton and other examples
Football is a 2nd sport that has experienced a major boost through the Indian Super League (ISL), which began in 2014. Inspired by the IPL’s entertainment-driven approach, the ISL attracted Bollywood actors, industrialists, and former international football stars. The league improved infrastructure, increased television coverage, and generated wider interest in football among Indian audiences. Although football had existing domestic competitions, the ISL modernised the sport’s image and commercial appeal.
Badminton followed a similar path with the Premier Badminton League (PBL). The league brought together international stars and Indian players in franchise teams. It has created excitement around a sport that had already gained popularity due to players such as Saina Nehwal and P. V. Sindhu. The PBL adopted 3 elements inspired by the IPL: auctions, sponsorships, and television broadcasting to attract viewers and investors.
Finally, several other leagues emerged using the same formula. 5 of its examples include Hockey India League, Ultimate Table Tennis, Prime Volleyball League, Ultimate Kho Kho, and the Premier Handball League. Even regional and grassroots competitions in sports like kabaddi and badminton now use franchise ownership and auction systems inspired by the IPL.
